WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF BLOGGING

So, today we will embark on the beginning of our journey into the world of blogging. Today you will all create your own blog and make your first posts. Below is a short synopsis you must read before you begoin your journey. Enjoy this new experience and remember, the blog you are creating is attached to your digital portfolio, therefore it is an academic medium for expression. You will not publish anything you wouldn't submit to me...More on this later. Here we go...Read below!----------------------------------------------------------------
BLOGGING ANYONE?

Blogs -- short for Web logs -- are online journals or diaries. Blogs can be public or private, entertaining or educational, eclectic or subject specific.

A blog entry is similar to a traditional journal or diary entry; it usually includes the date, reflections on a topic of interest, and a signature. Students can use blogs to practice writing and communication skills; teachers can use them to post assignments, share thoughts, stimulate classroom discussion, and more.

What are the benefits of classroom blogging?

* Kids love blogging.
* Students who lack the reading and writing skills they need to succeed also may lack the motivation to practice those skills. Many are motivated, however, to chat virtually with their friends.
* Seeing their words published on the Web is a great student motivator.
* Blogs offer an innovative way for students to engage in reflective writing on classroom topics in a familiar medium.
* Blogs represent a democratization of information dissemination, providing each individual with the opportunity to publicly present his or her thoughts and opinions.
* Students who know they have an audience other than their teacher write more credibly, accurately, and carefully.
* Blogs allow others to respond, providing feedback to the authors.

In short, blogs can bring today's students into the world of writing -- even at 2 a.m., even in their pajamas! Best of all, blogs are easy to create and maintain!

LET'S BLOG!

How do you get started? Here's an easy way:

* Go to Blogger.
* Click Start Here or Learn more about it and then click to begin.
* Type in your username, password, name, and e-mail account.
* Fill in a title and description for your blogging Web page.
* Keep the circle by "Host at…."
* Type an address for your blog.
* Click to accept terms of service, and then click Next.
* Select a template and click Finish.
* Type an entry. (Maybe something like, "This is my first blog entry.")
* Choose different formatting if you wish (to bold, italic, etc.).
* Hit Post and Publish.
* Wait a few seconds and then hit View Web Page.

Basically, that's all there is to it!